Facile fabrication of NiAl-LDH and its application in TPU nanocomposites targets for reducing fire hazards

In this study, nickel-aluminium layered double hydroxide (NiAl-LDH) was prepared and characterised. NiAl-LDH was incorporated into thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) to prepare a series of TPU/NiAl-LDH nanocomposites using solution mixing technology. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the addition of NiAl-LDH increased the thermal stability of TPU/NiAl-LDH nanocomposite at high temperatures. Kinetic analysis of the nanocomposites was conducted via the Coats-Redfern method. Thermogravimetric infrared spectroscopy was carried out to investigate gaseous pyrolysis products in degradation process of TPU/NiAl-LDH nanocomposites. TPU/NiAl-LDH nanocomposites showed a significant decrease in CO, hydrocarbon, and aromatic compound intensities than those of pure TPU, indicating that NiAl-LDH can effectively reduce the fire hazard associated with TPU nanocomposites. Furthermore, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy were used to analyse char residues of TPU/NiAl-LDH nanocomposites. TPU/NiAl-LDH nanocomposites produced a denser char layer with a significantly enhanced graphitisation degree, which inhibited substance and heat transfer during combustion.

Automated summary

The study demonstrated that NiAl-LDH can improve the thermal stability of TPU/NiAl-LDH nanocomposites, reduce fire hazards, and produce a denser char residue layer with significantly enhanced graphitization degree.